LYME — (From a press release issued by Lyme First Selectman Steven Mattson) Lyme’s Town Hall and Library are reopening gradually as buildings and work spaces are modified to reflect recommended public health protocols, while obtaining more data on trends of the local infection rate from public health authorities, and pursuing the ability to provide testing for staff.
Beginning Tuesday, May 26, both buildings welcomed back staff only to prepare the spaces and serve residents when possible. Any service to patrons will take place outside the building, without contact, as was the process shortly before the current closure.
On Monday, June 8, depending upon the infection rate in New London County and the availability of testing for staff, the public will have access to both buildings three days a week. (Staff will continue a full week schedule.)
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- Town Hall will be open to visitors Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limits on the number of simultaneous visitors and a requirement that all visitors wear masks inside the building and maintain social distancing.
- The Library will be open to patrons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limits on the number of simultaneous visitors and a requirement that all visitors wear masks and gloves inside the building while practicing social distancing.
A return to all normal operating hours for both buildings is tentatively projected beginning Monday, July 6. This date will, however, be entirely dependent upon the level of infection in the community at that time.
The following protections for staff and visitors will be observed in these facilities:
- Staff must wear masks when in contact with others and in common areas.
- Visitors must wear masks and the number of visitors inside a building at one time will be limited. Masks will be provided to visitors, if needed. Gloves will also be required in the Library and will be made available.
- Residents will be requested to use mail, phone or email whenever possible to limit the number and duration of in-person visits.
- Acrylic barriers will be placed in areas of high visitation to provide additional protection.
- Hallways and aisles will be made one-way to reduce contact with others.
- Social distancing protocols will be required and observed. Limits will be placed on the number of visitors present at any one time in each building.
- There will be a limit of 1 visitor in any office or in the Town Hall vault. Vault access will be by appointment and the use of gloves will be required.
- One bathroom in each building will be reserved for staff use only.
- In-person meetings of staff, boards or commissions will be limited to groups of five or less, and public health protocols (masks, social distancing) must be observed. Increases in the allowable size of groups will follow the guidelines of the Governor as they are relaxed.
- There will be no use of meeting rooms or seating areas by the public.
- Each building will be cleaned twice per week and staff will disinfect on an ongoing basis.